Richard Edwards; Editorial Director Auto Media Group and past President of NZ Motoring Writers’ Guild

Ed Finn has to be the most highly-regarded communications professional in Australasia by automotive media. Ed does not just act as an information source; he works with partners to pitch and create exciting stories and experiences that are brand-appropriate and engaging. 

He has a unique talent to take any brand and add a real ‘Kiwi’ flavour to it while remaining respectful to the product. In a world of cookie-cutter product launches, Ed comes up with concepts journalists love.

Ed treats those he works with like an old friend while remaining respectful and professional. He is a hugely-valued part of New Zealand’s automotive media core.

Richard Bosselman; Editor motoringnz.com

I've known Ed since he started in the industry in 1999 and can think of no-one more qualified in this craft within Australasia.  His talent for relating corporate messaging to a media audience, often spanning from the highly-expert to the far-from-specalised, in a friendly, highly-organised and insightful manner is recognised, appreciated and celebrated.

His skillset for planning and running vehicle launches and road test programmes is second-to-none. ‘Finn’ events have become the template for originality and impact.  No-one does it better or achieves better value; he’s a big hitter even with a modest budget.  

His effort reflects in universally informed and entertaining media outcomes – and in the excellent relationship he has with our industry. That he is appreciated and valued even by those of us who do not easily lend praise surely says it all.

Dean Evans; Editor DRIVEN

We know with an Ed-organised car launch, it's going to be different and memorable.  He’s one of the best in the business at the core essential of making our job easier and more productive.

Having worked with Ed Finn in two countries for two brands over ten years, when an invite arrives from him, you know it's going to be great, memorable, exciting and valuable, and most likely a combination of all four. Communicative, efficient and possessing the ability to be the right contact at the right time and place, Ed's professionalism, knowledge and expertise reinforces him as one of the industry's best.

Greg Murphy; 4x Bathurst Supercar Champion

I’ve worked with Ed over his years at Holden on projects including the Street Smart road safety initiative, 2018 Leadfoot Festival, Colorado Place street party, ZB Commodore track drive event as well as colour pieces for TV and print media.  He has an eye for an opportunity and backs it up with well thought out plans and seamless implementation.  Being able to relate and engage with every level of the market place is a truly important skillset and I have seen Ed do this on many occasions, ranging from dealing with customers at promotions such as Holden’s April Fools Day Mullet Amnesty or in the Supercars paddock at Pukekohe engaging with Race Team mechanics through to drivers and event broadcasters.  Underneath his easy-going nature is a PR guy who knows his stuff and who is driven to achieve excellent results.

Simon Watts; Photographer/ Director BWmedia Photography Ltd

I have had the privilege of working as photographer on media events with Ed for the last 10 years. During that time his media and product events have taken us to every corner of New Zealand and on location globally.

Ed has the unique ability to make events unique and memorable, a media drive for Holden NZ on the Chatham Islands being an example of this. It is a common occurrence for me to be told by members of the motoring media that they consider Ed to be ‘the best’ at what he does and have resulted in many stories that are fast becoming legend - the phrase ‘better work stories’ rings true time and time again.

Kyle Cassidy; Editor NZ Autocar Magazine

When you think you've been there, done that, Ed always manages to surprise with a novel event, planned in meticulous detail. Ed never leaves anything to chance and no request is ever a problem, he'll always find a solution. His experiences provide an interesting angle for a story, and Ed makes sure your needs are met.

Damien O’Carroll; Motoring Journalist

In the 15 years that I have known and worked alongside Ed Finn I can honestly say that that I haven't come across anyone who does automotive PR better. His professionalism and knowledge are peerless, while his willingness to go the extra mile in dealing with challenges makes him an absolute pleasure to deal with.

Marc Warr; Marketing Manager, TDX New Zealand (TransDiesel)

Ed has Corporate Affairs and PR skills you want as part of your wider leadership team.  Throughout my time working with him, he displayed a natural ability to dissect a situation and approach from an angle that added value to the Holden brand time and time again.  Case in point was his creative expertise to generate news, maintain share of voice and deliver significant ROI throughout all of 2019 - all the more remarkable, considering it was a year when we didn’t actually have any new product to launch.  In my eyes, that’s a job extremely well done.

Liz Dobson; Founder AutoMuse.co.nz

Edward Finn is the best in the business; it’s as simple as that. Ask any motoring journalist in Australia and New Zealand who has dealt with Ed and they’ll tell you the same thing. Not only is he one of the most professional people in his field, but also his car events are phenomenal. Everything from the press release and photos, to the drive programme and events are made to highlight the vehicle, and every aspect has been thoroughly overseen by Ed.

With limited local products to promote in 2019, Ed was able to engage the media – and not just the motoring genre – in outstanding launches with the highlight having to be the first ever car launch on Chatham Island.

I’ve been hosted by Ed at national and international car events and can honestly say that nothing fazes him. Any issues are dealt with in a calm manner, and he goes above and beyond in his hosting duties. It is without hesitation that I’d recommend Ed to any company.

Kate Coughlan; Editor NZ Life & Leisure

NZ Life & Leisure magazine worked with Ed Finn in his role as General Manager of Corporate Affairs at Holden NZ over a period of three years.  Together our brands created several successful multi-platform campaigns that were well-received by our audiences.  Ed was easy to work with, open to ideas, and a good communicator. Our team has been safe, well-looked after, and thoroughly enjoyed working on projects with Ed's team.  

David Linklater; Motoring journalist

My professional relationship with Ed Finn has covered a couple of big brands on my part and a couple of big brands on his part. He's always been extremely adept at identifying the differing requirements of individual publications, quick to respond to media enquiries with useful comment and full of ideas that can give you a different take on a product or story.

Colin Smith; Motoring journalist

For the June 2013 introduction of BMW 3 Series xDrive models, Ed Finn’s programme took journalists to a Mt Ruapehu ski lodge and through the back roads of the Rangitikei. The route expertly matched driving conditions with the strengths of the vehicle. Experiencing new terrain in a vehicle suited to the task created an event that showcased the product for the client at the same time as being memorable for the participants.

Jack Yan; Publisher Lucire Magazine

I first met Ed when he worked at Ford, back in 2004, and have had the great fortune of maintaining a professional relationship and friendship with him at BMW and GM. He is a consummate professional, and by some margin the best organized person in the business.

Ed doesn’t play favourites: he understands who each media outlet reaches, and who their readers are, and plans accordingly. The launches which he’s coordinated have all been memorable and gave us in the media a good chance to try the product. Finally, it is absolutely impossible to get him to betray any confidences, even as hints, especially on future product — believe me, I’ve tried for 16 years and he hasn’t given an inch!

Stephen Donald; Rugby World Cup winning All Black

I’ve been fortunate to be involved in several ‘Ed Adventures’ with various media groups over the years, where he has integrated the Holden Colorado into activities as diverse as whitebaiting on Karioitahi Beach to towing caravans to the Coromandel.  Ed has a remarkable ability to develop a media opportunity which is not only engaging, but also entertaining for all involved - the Equinox reveal at Whoa Studio and the Acadia launch on the North Shore were memorable experiences which demonstrate his undoubted talent.

Kelly Gillbanks; Advertising Sales Manager NZ Life and Leisure
During my work with Ed Finn and Holden, I've found Ed to be an engaging, creative professional with big ideas.  Safety, research and adventure have always been paramount in Ed's planning - whether it's driving around the Chatham Islands, shearing sheep, exploring the Forgotten Highway, or chasing the sun across the country.  Ed is an awesome leader who makes everyone feel welcome and part of the same team. A downright good person to work with.

Cameron Officer; Motoring Journalist

If there’s one word that sums up Ed Finn’s approach to media engagement, it would have to be “inventiveness.” From the overarching theme of the event and how it would relate to both the vehicle in question and the media attendees, to the meticulously planned drive programme and the places and people he ensured we met along the way, the best review I can ascribe to an Ed event is that I always looked forward to the next one. There’s no such thing as ‘plug-and-play’ when it comes to what Ed organises. As a result, he is a master at conjuring up meaningful, valuable and memorable media experiences.

Rob Maetzig; Motoring journalist

I am one of New Zealand’s longest-serving motoring journalists, having covered automotive news since the early 1980s. I am a life member of the New Zealand Motoring Writers’ Guild.

I have known Ed Finn since he joined Ford New Zealand, and I have witnessed his career progression which has encompassed Ford Australia, BMW New Zealand, and Holden New Zealand. My opinion is that Ed is now clearly the best automotive communications specialist in New Zealand.

Jacqui Madelin; Motoring journalist

In my experience motoring writers always welcome Ed's involvement with an event. His presence ensures it will be well run; that what we do will show off a product while letting us push its boundaries; he'll have any information available at his fingertips; and he will already have considered our photographic, equipment and deadline requirements. Better yet, when no new product comes into view he is ingenious at finding and organising angles which will put his product in a good light, while delivering an interesting topic to the writers and photographers he liaises with.

That carries through even when an activity isn’t to his own benefit. Introduced to Variety, The Children’s Charity through an early employer, he drew in other volunteers, maintained his connection under the radar for many years, and volunteered countless hours to manage a team of fundraisers bringing significant advantages to the children the charity supports. At the same time he used his media connections to help spread awareness of the charity and what it does, all without any fanfare.

If he’s asked to follow up he does, he always anticipates what’s required, and yet all this efficiency is cut with a sense of humour and an ability to smooth ruffled feathers or turn unexpected hiccups to his client’s advantage. Personal and presentable, he’s at home with folk from all walks of life. I will always greet news that he’s involved with the pleasure of knowing he’ll make my job easier.

Janet Coulthart; U.S. Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration

Our mission values its working relationship with General Motors (GM) and although GM's departure from the New Zealand market took us by surprise, it's great news to learn you and I will continue our connection in your new role.  Good luck with your plans.

Marnie Jane Samphier; General Manager, Product Marketing and Brand Strategy Holden Australia

Ed and I have worked together for five years as colleagues and I think he is the best of the best when it comes to automotive PR and communications.  He has a very collaborative way of working, starting with interrogating and fully understanding the brief.  His creativity is legendary - particularly when it comes to developing ideas and themes for launches and events - carrying through every little detail so that the end result is a carefully curated and awe-inspiring experience for everyone involved. Calm under pressure, you can count on Ed to to deliver what’s needed, and some. His professionalism engenders trust, loyalty and great respect.